Why we're different (part 1).

The second most popular question with regards to our upcoming church plant is "What makes you stand out, or be any different from other churches in Cochrane?" Our answer...we're reformed. What in the world does THAT mean? We follow the 1689 London Baptist Confession (as I've been posting the odd blog about in the recent past) except for two minor points. You can find a copy of the confession here. Our theology largely falls upon the 5 Sola's (as our ministry name may indicate). The first is Sola Scritura, which means The Holy Bible is the standard of which everything else is held up to. We do not put our trust and faith in tradition, or experience, but in the Word of God. If our experiences or traditions do not line up with what scripture says, it is dismissed. We hold the Bible in the highest regards and standard above all else when it comes to worshiping and understanding God and creation (including man).

Solas Christus is the second of the Sola's, which means by Christ alone we are saved. Unlike the modern-day thought of "there are many roads to God", we hold fast to the fact that it is by Jesus Christ ONLY that we are saved, and that there is NO other. Those that follow Buddha, Mohammad, Ghandi, Joseph Smith, or any other are lost, and are not disciples of Christ.

Sola Gratia is the third Sola, which means by Grace alone we are saved. Grace is undeserved favour. You cannot earn grace, for if you've earned it, it no longer is defined by grace. God in His goodness, sent His Son to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Grace is a gift from God, and cannot be earned. No one can earn their salvation by works, our works are simply actions which are produced from our obedience and love for God for delivering us out of darkness.

Sola Fide is the fourth Sola, and means that by faith in Christ alone we are justified. We need to remember who we are being saved from. We are not being saved from Satan, we are not being saved from ourselves, we are being saved from the wrath of God Himself. By faith in Christ, we are declared righteous before God, for our punishment was put upon Jesus. We cannot have just a 'head knowledge' of Christ, but we must have faith. Our faith is also a gift from God, and cannot be earned.

Soli Deo Gloria is that last of the Solas, which means 'for the glory of God alone'. We exist, we are saved, we live for the glory of God. God lives for the glory of God, and not man. The history of the people, creation, everything...is for the glory of God. Fallen man glorifies himself, even redeemed man all too often glorifies himself. Our church services can fall into putting too much emphasis on ourselves and not enough on Christ. Everything we do is to glorify Him. God is sovereign and His will will be done, and it is all to His own glory.

For further questions regarding these or anything from the Confession, please feel free to ask or attend one of our upcoming informational events.